Dramamine vs. Zofran for Nausea: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and ondansetron (Zofran) can both be used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they belong to different medication classes. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine and anticholinergic, while ondansetron is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin. Dimenhydrinate is available over-the-counter in forms like tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup, and is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours. Ondansetron, on the other hand, is a prescription medication available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid, and is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours. Dimenhydrinate can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation, while ondansetron may lead to headaches, fatigue, and either constipation or diarrhea. Dimenhydrinate is not recommended for people with glaucoma or urinary problems, and it can interact with other antihistamines. Ondansetron can interact with medications that affect serotonin levels and may cause serious heart rhythm problems

Dimenhydrinate

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Ondansetron

(Zofran)

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Summary for Dramamine

Over-the-counter

Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter medication that helps prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness. It's a type of antihistamine and anticholinergic medication. It has many brand names, including Dramamine and Dramamine For Kids, and is also available as a generic. Dimenhydrinate comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a syrup. The dosage depends on your age and the form of the medication you're using. It's usually taken a few times a day as needed. Side effects include feeling drowsy, dizzy, and constipated.

Indications for Dramamine

Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness

Pros and Cons for Dramamine

Pros

Helps both prevent and treat symptoms of motion sickness
Available over the counter as oral tablets, chewable tablets, or syrup
Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take

Cons

Can make you sleepy or dizzy
Might need to take as often as every 4 to 6 hours for lasting prevention or symptom relief
Not the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating

Common Side Effects for Dramamine

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Blurry vision

Warnings for Dramamine

Sleepiness
Worsening of certain medical conditions
Accidentally taking too much medication (accidental overdose)
Use with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Summary for Zofran

Prescription only

Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic (or anti-nausea) medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. It works by stopping a chemical called serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron (Zofran) is taken by mouth, typically every 8 to 12 hours. It comes in different formulations, including orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and oral solution. It can also be given as injection by a healthcare professional (HCP) in a hospital setting. Side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea.

Indications for Zofran

Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

Pros and Cons for Zofran

Pros

Can use for both adults and children
Available as a lower-cost generic
Available as a liquid, dissolvable tablet, and injection for people who have problems swallowing pills or are too nauseous to keep medication down
Possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cons

Needs to be taken multiple times daily
Might cause headache
Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
Not the best option for people who are at risk for stomach or gut blockages (bowel problems)

Common Side Effects for Zofran

Headache (up to 24%)
Fatigue (up to 13%)
Constipation (up to 9%)
Diarrhea (up to 6%)

Warnings for Zofran

Severe allergic reactions
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Serotonin syndrome
Risk of heart attack
Masking of gut blockage and stomach bloating
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only